Prospective observational study to assess the Somatic Growth in Very Low Birth Weight infants

Background: The birth weight is the first measured; an infant with low more likely to have poor somatic growth during childhood and develop markers of metabolic risk factors at his/her later age. Objectives: To evaluate very (VLBW) infants discharge 40 weeks postmenstrual age compare small for gestational (SGA) appropriate (AGA) babies. Methods: This prospective observational study was conducted over a period one year neonatal unit high-risk follow-up clinic tertiary care hospital. VLBW babies (weight less than 1500 g), admitted within 72 hours life discharged alive, were followed up prospectively. baseline data collected before from hospital till post-menstrual Results: Out 53 enrolled, baby had congenital malformation, six died NICU stay, four not up. Finally, 42 weeks. mean 30 ± 2.5 1199 216 gm. Z scores weight, length head circumference -0.88, -0.59, -0.64, respectively. These changed -1.12, -1.11, respectively time -1.69, -1.03, -0.73, Both SGA AGA exhibited lag stay as indicated by fall in all three parameters discharge. Exclusive enteral feeding feasible without any difference compared given short term parenteral nutrition. Despite aggressive feeding, only NEC none developed late onset sepsis. Conclusions: In our study, both short-term Also, rapid progression feeds did significant adverse effects population.